Gold Fields South Deep Gold Mine is inviting eligible applicants to apply for its Learner Miner (18.2) Learnership Programme 2026 in Westonaria, Gauteng.
The programme is aimed at developing candidates who want to build a career in the mining industry through structured technical training and practical workplace exposure.
A particularly important requirement is that applicants must have Grade 12 or an equivalent N3 qualification with two languages passed, as well as at least two years of experience in a mining operation.
The opportunity is especially relevant to qualifying applicants from South Deep host communities.
Applications close on 26 August 2026.
Gold Fields Learner Miner Learnership 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd |
| Mine | South Deep Gold Mine |
| Position | Learner Miner |
| Programme | Mining Learnership Programme |
| Job Grade | NG |
| Reference | Learner Miner 18.2 |
| Department | Human Resource Development |
| Location | Westonaria, Gauteng |
| Qualification | Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 or equivalent N3 |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years in a mining operation |
| Medical fitness | Required |
| Heat tolerance screening | Required |
| Target applicants | Qualifying applicants, particularly South Deep host communities |
| Closing date | 26 August 2026 |
| Application method | Online |
About the Gold Fields South Deep Learnership
Gold Fields is a major gold mining company with operations in several countries, including South Africa.
The South Deep Gold Mine is located near Westonaria in Gauteng and requires employees with strong technical abilities, safety awareness and the ability to work effectively within mining teams.
The Learner Miner programme falls under the mine’s Human Resource Development function and is designed to provide structured occupational development.
For successful applicants, the programme can provide valuable exposure to mining operations, workplace procedures, safety requirements and technical development.
What Is a Mining 18.2 Learnership?
An 18.2 learnership generally refers to a learnership aimed at people who are not already employees of the company, unlike an 18.1 learnership, which is generally associated with existing employees.
The South Deep opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to qualifying prospective applicants who want to develop their mining careers.
However, applicants should not confuse the programme with a basic school-leaver learnership.
The requirement for two years of mining-operation experience is an important part of this particular opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity particularly highlights applicants from communities surrounding South Deep Gold Mine.
According to the supplied information, an applicant can qualify as a host-community applicant if they are a resident of one of the following communities:
- Bekkersdaal
- Zuurberkom
- Thusanang
- Hillshaven
- Westonaria
- Poortjie
- Simunye
- Kalbasfontein
- Jachtfontein
Alternatively, applicants may qualify if they successfully completed Grade 12/Matric at a school located within one of the listed host communities.
Being from Gauteng alone does not automatically make someone a South Deep host-community applicant.
Gold Fields Learner Miner Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements specified for the programme.
You must have:
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or an equivalent N3 qualification with two languages passed.
- At least two years’ experience in a mining operation.
- The ability to meet the prescribed medical-fitness requirements.
- The ability to pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test.
- The ability to complete any additional assessments required to determine suitability.
Applicants should carefully check all requirements before submitting an application.
Fresh listings:
Important: Two Years of Mining Experience Is Required
This is probably the most important requirement applicants should understand.
Although the programme is called a learnership, the advertisement specifically requires a minimum of two years’ experience in a mining operation.
Therefore, having only Matric does not automatically make someone eligible.
If you have never worked in a mining operation, you should not claim mining experience that you do not have.
Always provide truthful information in your CV and application.
Medical Fitness Requirement
Mining work can involve physically demanding conditions and occupational hazards.
For this reason, successful applicants must be able to meet the required medical standards.
The opportunity states that candidates may undergo a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.
The assessment is used to determine whether the candidate is medically fit for the specific position and working environment.
Applicants should also be prepared for the stated Heat Tolerance Screening.
Meeting the educational and experience requirements does not automatically guarantee medical clearance.
Technical Training
Successful learners will undergo technical training prescribed by the relevant authorities and requirements referred to in the advertisement, including applicable MQA/DMRE requirements.
Learners are expected to take their training seriously and maintain consistent performance during scheduled technical evaluations.
The programme should therefore be viewed as an opportunity to build occupational competence rather than simply a temporary job.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Learner Miner will be expected to develop safe and disciplined workplace practices.
Responsibilities include:
- Applying safe working practices according to prescribed standards and procedures.
- Following mine health and safety requirements.
- Identifying and reporting unsafe conditions.
- Escalating health, safety, environmental and risk concerns.
- Reporting incidents and accidents to the appropriate supervisor.
- Participating in risk assessments with artisans.
- Assisting artisans with daily maintenance activities.
- Handling and storing tools safely.
- Cleaning and maintaining tools and work areas.
- Maintaining good housekeeping in workshops and maintenance areas.
- Keeping surrounding areas appropriately maintained.
- Reporting hazards that may affect employees’ health and safety.
- Performing standby duties when required.
Safety Is a Major Part of the Programme
Safety is one of the most important aspects of working in a mining environment.
Learners should be prepared to:
- Follow instructions.
- Use equipment correctly.
- Report hazards.
- Avoid unsafe shortcuts.
- Participate in risk assessments.
- Communicate safety concerns.
- Take responsibility for their own actions.
- Work cooperatively with other employees.
Candidates who reach the interview or assessment stage should expect safety-related questions.
Competencies and Attributes
Gold Fields identifies a number of competencies and behavioural attributes relevant to the opportunity.
These include:
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Customer focus
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Negotiation and liaising skills
- Assertiveness
- Initiative
- Promptness
- Energy and enthusiasm
- Self-starting ability
Learners should also demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for their career development.
Gold Fields Values
Successful candidates will be expected to work in line with South Deep’s stated values, including:
Safety
Putting safe working practices first.
Respect
Treating colleagues and other stakeholders professionally.
Collaboration
Working effectively as part of a team.
Responsibility
Taking ownership of duties, behaviour and workplace performance.
These values are particularly important in mining because employees depend on one another to maintain a safe working environment.
English Communication Requirement
The opportunity also requires candidates to communicate proficiently in written and spoken English.
This is important because learners may need to:
- Understand safety instructions.
- Complete workplace documentation.
- Communicate with supervisors.
- Participate in training.
- Report hazards and incidents.
- Work with other members of the mining team.
Applicants should therefore make sure their CV accurately reflects their communication abilities.
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
Many learnerships advertised to unemployed youth accept applicants with only Grade 12 and no work experience.
This programme is different.
The combination of:
Grade 12/N3 + two years’ mining experience + medical fitness + heat tolerance screening
means the opportunity is aimed at a more specific group of candidates.
If you already have mining exposure and meet the other requirements, this could be a valuable opportunity to formalise and further develop your skills.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The following tips are provided as general application guidance and should not be treated as additional Gold Fields requirements.
1. Check Your Mining Experience
Before applying, make sure you can demonstrate the required two years of mining-operation experience.
Your CV should clearly show:
- Employer
- Position
- Dates of employment
- Mining operation
- Main responsibilities
- Relevant technical exposure
Avoid vague descriptions such as “worked in mining” without providing supporting employment details.
2. Highlight Safety Experience
If your previous mining work involved:
- Risk assessments
- Safety procedures
- PPE
- Hazard identification
- Toolbox talks
- Incident reporting
- Equipment safety
- Housekeeping
make sure your genuine experience is clearly reflected in your CV.
3. Keep Your CV Accurate
Do not exaggerate your experience or qualifications.
Mining is a safety-sensitive industry, and information provided during recruitment may be verified.
4. Prepare Your Supporting Documents
The online application states that required documentation must be uploaded with the application for consideration for shortlisting.
Prepare relevant documentation before starting the application.
Depending on what the recruitment portal requests, this may include:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- N3 certificate, where applicable
- Proof of mining experience
- Updated CV
- Other supporting documents requested by the portal
Follow the exact document requirements displayed during the application process.
How to Apply for Gold Fields Learner Miner Learnership 2026
Applications are submitted online through the Gold Fields recruitment portal.
Apply for the Gold Fields Learner Miner 18.2 Learnership
When completing the application:
- Open the official vacancy.
- Review the minimum requirements.
- Create or log into your recruitment profile.
- Complete your personal information.
- Enter your qualifications accurately.
- Provide your mining experience.
- Upload all required documentation.
- Review the information before submitting.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Do not wait until the last day to apply.
Important Application Warning
The opportunity states that all required documentation must be uploaded with the online application for an applicant to be considered for shortlisting.
This means applicants should not assume that missing documents can automatically be supplied later.
Check the recruitment portal carefully before submitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without two years of mining experience.
- Claiming mining experience they do not have.
- Ignoring the host-community requirements.
- Uploading incomplete documentation.
- Providing incorrect qualification information.
- Entering incorrect employment dates.
- Ignoring the medical requirements.
- Failing to prepare for assessments.
- Applying through unofficial websites.
- Paying someone who promises to secure the position.
A legitimate employer should not require applicants to pay someone in exchange for a job or learnership placement.
Does Being From Gauteng Guarantee Eligibility?
No.
The programme specifically identifies South Deep host communities, and applicants should check whether they meet the stated host-community criteria.
Simply living somewhere in Gauteng does not automatically mean that you qualify as a South Deep host-community applicant.
Does Matric Alone Qualify You?
No, not for this particular opportunity.
The advertisement requires at least two years of experience in a mining operation in addition to the Grade 12/N3 requirement.
This is an important distinction for applicants who are searching for entry-level mining learnerships.
Is Medical Fitness Required?
Yes.
Applicants must be able to meet the prescribed medical-fitness requirements and pass the required assessments, including the stated Heat Tolerance Screening.
Is There a Stipend?
The supplied opportunity information does not provide a specific monthly stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on figures circulating on social media unless Gold Fields officially confirms them.
Is Permanent Employment Guaranteed?
No.
A learnership provides structured training and workplace exposure, but completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment unless the employer specifically confirms this.
Applicants should treat the programme as an opportunity to develop occupational competence and improve their future employment prospects.
Gold Fields Learner Miner Learnership 2026 Closing Date
Applications close on:
26 August 2026
Applicants should submit their applications and required documentation before the deadline.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm that:
- You have Grade 12/NQF Level 4 or equivalent N3.
- You meet the required language requirement for the N3 route, where applicable.
- You have at least two years’ mining-operation experience.
- You meet the host-community criteria if applying as a host-community candidate.
- Your mining experience is accurately recorded.
- Your CV is updated.
- Your qualifications are correctly captured.
- You understand the medical-fitness requirement.
- You are prepared for Heat Tolerance Screening.
- You have the required supporting documents.
- All required documents are uploaded.
- Your contact details are correct.
- You apply through the official Gold Fields recruitment portal.
- You submit your application before 26 August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with only Matric apply?
Not if they do not meet the additional requirements. The advertisement requires at least two years of experience in a mining operation.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need Grade 12/NQF Level 4 or an equivalent N3 qualification with two languages passed, subject to the other requirements.
How much mining experience is required?
At least two years’ experience in a mining operation.
Which communities are identified as South Deep host communities?
The listed communities are Bekkersdaal, Zuurberkom, Thusanang, Hillshaven, Westonaria, Poortjie, Simunye, Kalbasfontein and Jachtfontein.
Is medical fitness required?
Yes. Applicants must meet the prescribed medical requirements and undergo the relevant occupational assessments.
Is Heat Tolerance Screening required?
Yes. The opportunity specifically lists the ability to pass Heat Tolerance Screening.
Where is the learnership based?
The opportunity is based at South Deep Gold Mine near Westonaria, Gauteng.
When does the application close?
The closing date is 26 August 2026.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Gold Fields recruitment portal.
Conclusion
The Gold Fields Mining (18.2) Learner Miner Learnership Programme 2026 is an opportunity for suitably qualified candidates who already have mining experience and want to develop their careers further within the mining industry.
The most important point for applicants is that Matric alone is not enough. Candidates must also have at least two years of mining-operation experience, meet the qualification requirements and be able to satisfy the prescribed medical and Heat Tolerance Screening requirements.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents carefully, ensure your mining experience is clearly presented on your CV and submit your application through the official Gold Fields recruitment portal before 26 August 2026.